How Do You Deal With People Who Let You Down in Life and Work? Petra Nemcova Gives Us The Best Life Advice Ever.

It's not every day that you'll interview a celebrity and come away having learned a good life lesson, but in this case, supermodel Petra Nemcova became Oprah Winfrey hosting Master Class. She hit on something that I've struggled with plenty—what to do when people let you down in life, and how to adjust your expectations without going crazy.

I asked the stunning supermodel what her biggest pet peeve is at the Elton John Oscar Party. Expecting an answer like 'traffic' or 'rude manners,' I was pleasantly surprised when she brought up something that we can actually work to change. (Unlike traffic!).

Petra Nemcova: My biggest pet peeve is when people say something that they're going to do, and then they don't. Especially in business because you rely on them, and it sets you back. I actually work hard to get over this because it's part of life, and it's more of when I work with someone that they say, 'OK, I'll get it done,' and then they don't. That kind of experience makes me sad because you trust them to come through for you.

Glamour: Absolutely. You want to believe that people have a conscience and won't make promises they can't keep, but we all know how that works.

Petra: In casual surroundings, I kind of know that 99% of the time it won't happen.

Glamour: Oh, we've all been there! How many times has someone said, 'Let's grab lunch soon,' and then you never hear from them? So here's what I wanted to know: what about when it's someone that you don't casually rely on—like a boss or a colleague? How do you move past the frustration of someone making empty promises?

Petra: I keep it in the back of my mind. The casual-setting promises, I just don't blink on them. I know that things don't always happen. I try to keep a closer eye on that person to see if they really care, and if it was just a mistake, or if they are careless. Those are two different things. If it was just a mistake, then that's no problem. I understand that. But if it's somebody that doesn't really care and doesn't put their heart into it, then I just have to talk to them why and find out maybe if there is a reason.

Glamour: Do you think it's better to sometimes come right out and tell the person that you're disappointed that they made you an oral commitment and then let you down?

Petra: I wouldn't confront it directly, but I would try to encourage them, mentor them in a way to say, 'Well, what about this way,' or 'What if we did this?' and try to give them the opportunity to excel that way and be as passionate about what they're meant to do. That's how I would go about it.

Glamour: Exactly. And that is what is so frustrating about those of us that are pro-active. It really just sucks when you get people who make empty promises to you, and get your hopes up, and then they just either disappear, or fail to come through due to a lack of effort on their part.

Petra: Exactly. And it's a waste of time on our part as well [to have to deal with that]. You just do the best you can and keep an eye on them. If it's supposed to work, it will.